Since making his test debut in March 2004, McCullum has not played a lot of four-day cricket but will take his place in Otago's top order for its Plunket Shield game against Central Districts which begins in Lincoln today.
The 30-year-old batting star has played just 18 first-class games for the province and last donned the whites for Otago in November 2009. He batted at No 4 and got a couple of starts, reaching 15 and 13.
The aggressive right-hander's inclusion is a boost for the Otago camp. His wonderful batting skills will be welcome and he also brings athleticism, experience and leadership to the table as well.
It is a heady mix, but his availability has created a dilemma for Johnson who now has four specialist openers to choose from.
Craig Cumming and the captain Aaron Redmond got the job in Rangiora last week with talented youngster Michael Bracewell batting at first drop. But Johnson confirmed McCullum would partner Cumming at the top with Redmond dropping down to No 3 and Bracewell, who helped set up Otago's six-wicket win against Canterbury with a fine double of 95 and 37, may drop out of the starting XI.
"We won't know who misses out until we have a decent look at the wicket in the morning," Johnson said.
"Whether Michael drops down one and one of the other batsmen miss out, then so be it. It may also go the other way - we may not play the young fellow. But it will be all based on what we see in the morning."
The other option open to Johnson is to drop a bowler, which would be relatively painless given seamer James McMillan picked up a knee injury in the win against Canterbury and has returned to Dunedin.
However, that move seems unlikely. All-rounder James Neesham has been called into the squad to replace McMillan and Johnson appears likely to stick with a four-pronged pace attack - a strategy which worked so well against Canterbury.
Left-arm spinner Nick Beard carried the drinks for Otago last week and shapes as the most likely candidate to drop out of the 12.
McMillan's injury is not expected to sideline him for too long. Johnson said he could have played but, with plenty of cricket ahead, it seemed prudent to rest the fast bowler.
Meanwhile, experienced Central Districts seamer Michael Mason has answered the call for his side. With injuries to Stevie Smidt, Ben Wheeler and Seth Rance, Mason has agreed to make himself available. He had planned to step back and play a lesser role in four-day cricket this season.
Former Otago batsman Greg Todd makes way for Black Caps captain Ross Taylor and Nelson left-arm spinner Martin Kain has been included in the Central 12 for the first time.
Plunket Shield:
Otago v Central Districts
• Otago: Aaron Redmond (captain), Brendon McCullum, Craig Cumming, Michael Bracewell, Neil Broom, Sam Wells, Nathan McCullum, Derek de Boorder, Neil Wagner, Ian Butler, Steven Finn, James Neesham, Nick Beard (one to be omitted).
• Central Districts: Jamie How (captain), Carl Cachopa, Peter Ingram, Martin Kain, Michael Mason, Adam Milne, Kieran Noema-Barnett, Tarun Nethula, Mathew Sinclair, Ben Smith, Ross Taylor, Kruger van Wyk.
